On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning about the worsening crisis in the Middle East, stressing that the increasing human, economic and geopolitical toll of the conflict could have catastrophic global repercussions.
United Nations (APP – Urdu Point / Pakistan Point News – 2nd April, 2026) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning on Thursday over the worsening crisis in… middle East, stressing that the increasing human, economic and geopolitical toll of the conflict could have catastrophic global repercussions.
Speaking during a press conference at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said the war, now entering its second month, has brought “indiscriminate attacks” targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, while threatening to ignite a broader regional conflict with “dramatic impacts around the world.”
As the crisis resulting from the US-Israeli attacks against Iran entered its second month, he said that the world was “on the brink of a broader war” with disastrous global impacts.
The UN Secretary-General painted a bleak picture of the rapidly deteriorating situation, as Israel and the United States continue to bomb Iran while Tehran launches attacks on neighboring Gulf states and threatens ships it considers hostile to use the vital Strait of Hormuz.
“Every day that this war continues, human suffering increases. The scale of destruction increases. Indiscriminate attacks increase,” Guterres said, noting that the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the general risks to the global economy, especially the most vulnerable communities that depend on energy imports, are escalating daily.
He emphasized that the effects of the crisis could no longer be contained within the region, specifically pointing to the severe disruptions surrounding freedom of navigation.
“When the Strait of Hormuz chokes, the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world cannot breathe,” he warned.
He noted that the consequences are already evident “in the daily lives of people suffering from altitude.” food And energy costs from the Philippines… to Sri Lanka… to Mozambique.”
To curb this escalating trend, the Secretary-General announced that he would send his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to assist with ongoing peace initiatives.
“The cycle of death and destruction must stop,” he called, urging that diplomatic efforts be given the space and support to succeed.
Guterres stressed that any decision must be firmly based on international law and the United Nations Charter.
He called for the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states, and the protection of civilians and nuclear facilities under threat in Iran and elsewhere as the war spreads.
Addressing the combatants directly, the Secretary-General declared: “For the United States and Israel, it is time to stop a war that is causing enormous human suffering and is already leading to devastating economic consequences.”
He added that Iran must stop attacking its neighbors.
Emphasizing that the Security Council has already condemned these attacks and reaffirmed the need to respect navigational rights in vital maritime routes, the UN Secretary-General reminded world leaders that the power to end the crisis lies in their hands.
“Conflicts do not end on their own,” Guterres concluded. “It ends when leaders choose dialogue rather than destruction. That choice still exists. It must be made now.
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